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Monday, October 21, 2013

Up Up and Away

Gypsy Slow Down

Yesterday we went to the Carolina Balloon Festival in Statesville, NC, with our friend Adam. We were all set to go to the State Fair when Adam called and said he might have something better in mind. I love the fair but I was on board and excited to check out the balloon festival.

My Mom said that they took me when I was little but I don't remember going, only slightly.

I can't believe I don't remember because it was really magical.

Witt said he wasn't surprised I had already been because my family loves festivals. I have been to a lot of fun festivals.

That's probably why I love them too.

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

The best part was when they finally sent the balloons up and you saw them go from big sheets of fabric laying on a field to thirty colorful balloons floating in the air.

Plus, you could be right there, feeling the heat from the basket as they lit it up (technical terms, ya'll. Just kidding, no idea what the technical terms are).

It was an experience I don't think I'll forget again.

Gypsy Slow Down

The festival was super crowded since it had rained the day before and Sunday was beautiful.

We started out with a wine tasting. There were two North Carolina wineries and two North Carolina breweries. I enjoyed the beer more than the wine even though I'm most definitely a wine girl. I have to admire and give props to our local wineries but that was some sweeeet wine. With names like Peachy Delight and Strawberry Sunrise I guess I should have figured. I poured most of my tastings into Adam's glass because we all know I can't tolerate much sugar. A lot of people really enjoy sweet wines but I love a nice fruity dry glass any day.

After the wine tasting we set off to find something to eat.

Fried Oreos anyone? I did not try those but they smelled amazing.

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

After we ate and walked around we sat in the field where the balloons were, sipping a beer and waiting for the balloons to take off. Suddenly we heard bagpipes. I love bagpipes, I like to think it's because I'm part Scottish but I think it's because they just stir something up inside of me.

We walked back to the stage and there was a Scottish rock band playing. I felt like I was at the highland games and a really cool concert all at the same time. I lost the card with the band's name on it that Adam found but they were a lot of fun. I admire a man that will rock a plaid skirt.

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

We went back to our spot and it was amazing to see the balloons slowly come to life. I was surprised that we could get so close.

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Firing up! I love that the black dog was just hanging out.

I don't think he went up in the balloon though but maybe he did.

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

Gypsy Slow Down

It was a really fun day.

One day I want to go up in a hot air balloon.

What about you?

Gypsy Slow DownPs.

Ps. Many of my photos on this blog are gone due to a fiasco with google plus but I'm hoping to restore them when I can!